Spring 2009
Homesick
Being away from family and friends is difficult for many international students. In his article, Mohamed shares with us some of the things he misses most about his country, Senegal.
By Mohamed Lamine Sokona
I came from a little country in West Africa called Senegal. I came to the U.S to study English. I have been here for seven month. I have learned to appreciate more things about my country's culture since I have been in America.
Firstly, I have realized many things that I appreciate more in my country and that do not exist in America. I have realized that I appreciate the warm way Senegalese greet each other. For example, when Senegalese people see someone they know, even when a stranger, they greet each other. Especially in rural areas, men always ask each other how they are and extend best wishes to each other's families. When I was in Senegal it was normal, but since I arrive in the U.S my feelings change because Americans are less warm than Senegalese people and they are also less friendly. For example, when an American doesn't know you they will not salute you even if you have established eye contact with them, but Senegalese will. The things that I have learned since I have been in the U.S is that Senegalese people are warmer than Americans.
Secondly, I really like the difference between Senegalese and American meals, and the way Senegalese and American eat. I have come to really like the custom for eating meals in Senegal. One main dish is usually rice and beside that dish you will find some vegetable and some fish, meat or chicken, depending on the day. The menus and meals are different from American menus and meals because Americans change their menus every day and they eat a lot of junk food. Since I have been here I realized that Senegalese foods are healthier. I n addition, Senegalese eat late at night, usually between 9:30pm to 10:30 pm. Americans eat very early - between 5pm to 7pm, and that affects me because when I eat early, I am always hungry before I go to bed. And then in Senegal, every member of the family eats at the same time and off a common plate. This is very different to American culture because here people eat off their own plate and sometimes not at the same time. I think the Senegalese way is the best because when people eat together they will not take too much food and then when they will not finish it they will throw it away likes how Americans do.
Thirdly, I appreciate more Senegalese marriage customs than American ones. In Senegal a marriage is celebrated only on Thursday and Sunday morning. The Marriage celebration is different than how Americans celebrate it. For example, in Senegal Thursday and Sunday are days where marriage can be celebrated in the city hall. Senegalese don't celebrate it like Americans do, eating a wedding cake, drinking champagne, or leasing a limousine. Senegalese kill a cow or a sheep and eat that meat as a celebration. I really like this custom because it's not expensive and it can serve everybody there.
Finally, since coming to the U.S, I have learned I like several things about my culture: how people greet each other, how Senegalese eat, and how Senegalese celebrate marriage. Indeed, I think people learn about and appreciate their own culture more when they are learning another culture.
More articles
|
|
|
|
|
|
